Ubuntu AlternativesTop Linux Distros & Operating Systems like Ubuntu

One of the most popular alternatives to Ubuntu is Linux Mint, which is free and open source. Other popular alternatives are Debian, Fedora, Arch Linux and CachyOS. There's no shortage of Operating Systems like Ubuntu, with more than 100 alternatives for Linux, self-hosting, Windows, Mac and the web.

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Ubuntu alternatives page was last updated Oct 5, 2026

Linux Mint
1233 likes
Linux distribution focused on desktop use, with unique menus, media codecs, browser plugins, and DVD support pre-installed; offers easy package management, compatibility with Ubuntu repositories, and a Debian-based alternative for consistency and reliability.
202 Linux Mint alternatives
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Ireland
EU
+4
Good alternative?Is Linux Mint a good alternative to Ubuntu?

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15comments
Linux Mint vs Ubuntu Comments
Top Positive Comment by CeesT · May 30, 2022
More polished and Windows-like than plain Ubuntu. Cinnamon comes with Nemo which shows file creation dates as well as modification dates.
Positive comment by danielol1 · Sep 25, 2026
It's the most minimalistic distro I have used. Everything is simple to understand and works well and the desktop environment is perfect for people used to Windows.
Positive comment by Guest · Jul 22, 2022
I love linux mint! Easy to use, easy to setup and i love the design!
3 of 15 comments
Linux Mint is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
Linux Mint is Privacy focusedUbuntu is not according to our users
Debian
1204 likes
The Debian Project is an association of individuals who have made common cause to create a free operating system. This operating system that we have created is called Debian.
218 Debian alternatives
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Windows
Linux
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Global
+2
Good alternative?Is Debian a good alternative to Ubuntu?

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12comments
Debian vs Ubuntu Comments
Top Positive Comment by John Fastman · Jan 4, 2017
Ubuntu and it's derivatives (Mint, Kubuntu, KDE Neon, ElementaryOS, Xubuntu, Lubuntu) are all based on Debian. All are compatible with .deb software packages. All are easier than Ubuntu to setup. But Debian has a greater loyalty to the ideals of free and open source software.
Top Negative Comment by Guest · Dec 10, 2017
It doesn't let you install proprietary drivers and doesn't have a GUI to manage these drivers like Ubuntu or Mint has, due to its philosophy. That's a thing people forget to mention when saying Debian is the option for Ubuntu or even Mint, so it isn't.
Positive comment by atkitt7 · Sep 15, 2025
It actually cares about privacy and user freedoms and software being free/libre/open source. Driven by the community, not a for-profit company. No shady schemes. (Also, did you know Ubuntu is a fork of Debian?)
3 of 12 comments
Debian is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
Debian is Privacy focusedUbuntu is not according to our users
Fedora
641 likes
Fedora creates an innovative, free, and open source platform for hardware, clouds, and containers that enables software developers and community members to build tailored solutions for their users.
199 Fedora alternatives
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Linux
United States
+9
Good alternative?Is Fedora a good alternative to Ubuntu?

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9comments
Fedora vs Ubuntu Comments
Top Positive Comment by 9y0xwefhpw · May 27, 2018
Albeit Fedora is supported by bigger company (Red Hat), it does not spy on users like Ubuntu. Fedora comprises only freedom software except for firmware (which can be resolved by freed-ora) unlike Ubuntu. Cleaner upgrade than Ubuntu.
Top Negative Comment by Guest · Oct 29, 2018
It doesn't have proprietary codecs and drivers pre-installed like Ubuntu. It's hard to install it, not for newbies.
Positive comment by veddev · Aug 31, 2024
Fedora is REALLY nice! Looks modern and simple.
3 of 9 comments
Fedora is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
Fedora is Privacy focusedUbuntu is not according to our users
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Zorin OS
Linux-based OS designed for familiar user experience, mimicking Windows or macOS, supports dual-boot, runs Windows apps via WINE, pre-installed essential software, customizable desktop layouts, broad hardware compatibility, and p...

https://zorin.com
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Arch Linux
814 likes
Arch Linux is an independently developed, x86_64 optimized GNU/Linux distribution targeted at competent Linux users. It uses pacman, its home-grown package manager, to provide updates to the latest software applications with full dependency tracking.
214 Arch Linux alternatives
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Canada
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Canada
+1
Good alternative?Is Arch Linux a good alternative to Ubuntu?

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4comments
Arch Linux vs Ubuntu Comments
Negative comment by John Fastman · Jan 4, 2017
Arch is not a distro for Linux beginners: you really have to know what you're doing to set it up and keep it ticking over. Ubuntu is beginner friendly. However, check out Manjaro - that's Arch-based but done in a user friendly way that's maybe even friendlier than Ubuntu.
Negative comment by Guest · Oct 29, 2018

It doesn't have a proper graphical install 2. Arch community doesn't like newbies and treat them like crap 3. Everything is command line based 4. There are not helpers for newbies, the distro uses the KISS philosophy, is minimalistic and not user-friendly like Ubuntu 5. It uses the rolling release and bleeding edge model, so it's kind easy to break thing due the huge quantity of updates weekly.

Positive comment by veddev · Aug 31, 2024
Arch is not a beginner friendly Linux distro, but i use a distro thats based on arch called EndeavourOS. Its very nice, For someone that wants to use and learn Arch, go with EndeavourOS!
3 of 4 comments
Arch Linux is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
Arch Linux is Minimalistic and Privacy focusedUbuntu is not according to our users
CachyOS
85 likes
CachyOS is designed to deliver lightning-fast speeds and stability, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable computing experience every time you use it. Whether you're a seasoned Linux user or just starting out, CachyOS is the ideal choice for those looking for a powerful...
89 CachyOS alternatives
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Germany
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Germany
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Good alternative?Is CachyOS a good alternative to Ubuntu?
Zorin OS
165 likes
Linux-based OS designed for familiar user experience, mimicking Windows or macOS, supports dual-boot, runs Windows apps via WINE, pre-installed essential software, customizable desktop layouts, broad hardware compatibility, and privacy-focused updates.
199 Zorin OS alternatives
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Linux
Ireland
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+2
Good alternative?Is Zorin OS a good alternative to Ubuntu?

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4comments
Zorin OS vs Ubuntu Comments
Positive comment by wouf336 · Aug 17, 2026
like linux mint, but with good UX and UI. Who said open source software has bad UI ?
Positive comment by Guest · Jan 1, 2019
i use it to replace windows
Positive comment by ThomasStevenson · Apr 14, 2017
It's easy to use and looks like Windows, so beginners (like me) don't need to learn a new interface just to use Linux. It's based on Ubuntu so it's got all the features Ubuntu has, but it's better :)
3 of 4 comments
Zorin OS is Freemium and Open SourceUbuntu is Free and Open Source
Zorin OS is Privacy focusedUbuntu is not according to our users
Manjaro Linux
342 likes
Manjaro is a user-friendly Linux distribution based on the independently developed Arch operating system. Within the Linux community, Arch itself is renowned for being an exceptionally fast, powerful, and lightweight distribution that provides access to the very latest cutting...
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Arch Linux
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+5
Good alternative?Is Manjaro Linux a good alternative to Ubuntu?

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8comments
Manjaro Linux vs Ubuntu Comments
Top Positive Comment by John Fastman · Dec 8, 2016
Manjaro Linux has got the point where it's more user friendly than Ubuntu, in my opinion. Particularly in the XFCE (official) and MATE (community) builds, the pamac/pacman package manager is utterly great to use and draws software not just from Manjaro repositories but from Arch's AUR, which has something like 60k+ software apps. Despite being based on Arch, Manjaro is very user-friendly and the community support is fantastic.
Positive comment by mlemmark · Jan 6, 2021
A good distribution, but often breaks during an update, to use it, you need to be aware of new changes in their forum. It says it's for newbies, but it doesn't differs so much from Arch. Since it's a rolling-release/bleeding-edge distribution, it is not as stable as Linux Mint, Ubuntu and so on.
Positive comment by Guest · May 28, 2020

Arch-based 2. Easy to install 3. Care about stability even being a rolling release kind of distro 4. It has GUIs for installing kernel, drivers and complex language packs 5. It has Pamac which is the most complete package manager/store in the Linux with supports and have access to the official repo, AUR, snap and flatpak. 6. it has different desktop environments for your taste 7. Good performance on games 8. It has minimal versions for tinkers.

3 of 8 comments
Manjaro Linux is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
Manjaro Linux is Security-focusedUbuntu is not according to our users
openSUSE
355 likes
openSUSE is a free and Linux-based operating system for your PC, Laptop or Server.
210 openSUSE alternatives
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Good alternative?Is openSUSE a good alternative to Ubuntu?

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3comments
openSUSE vs Ubuntu Comments
Negative comment by Guest · Oct 29, 2018
It doesn't have proprietary codecs and drivers installed by default like Ubuntu. To use it, you need some knowledge and it's very limited in packages compared to Debian and Arch-based distros.
Negative comment by Guest · Jun 29, 2019
openSUSE is so hard for newbies that people have created Gecko Linux (as an user-friendly and out-of-the-box derivate of openSUSE).
Negative comment by mlemmark · Jan 6, 2021
Patterns are the main reason for me to not recommend openSUSE for people that want to have full control on what is installed and doesn't like a bloated system
3 of 3 comments
openSUSE is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
openSUSE is Privacy focusedUbuntu is not according to our users
Kubuntu
298 likes
Kubuntu is an official "flavor" of Ubuntu that uses the KDE Plasma desktop environment. This gives it a completely different look and feel.
221 Kubuntu alternatives
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Good alternative?Is Kubuntu a good alternative to Ubuntu?

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6comments
Kubuntu vs Ubuntu Comments
Top Positive Comment by astronare · Jul 1, 2023
KDE is faster and better than Gnome
Positive comment by David Figueroa · Dec 2, 2020
KDE is faster than GNOME and more customizable too
Positive comment by RemovedUser · Sep 7, 2020
Kubuntu is basically Ubuntu but with the KDE Plasma desktop, which gives a feel of Windows, highly recommended.
3 of 6 comments
Kubuntu is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
Kubuntu is Privacy focusedUbuntu is not according to our users
elementary OS
359 likes
elementary OS is a free, fast and aesthetically pleasing operating system based on Ubuntu .
215 elementary OS alternatives
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Open Source (GPL-3.0)
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United States
+9
Good alternative?Is elementary OS a good alternative to Ubuntu?

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6comments
elementary OS vs Ubuntu Comments
Top Positive Comment by Guest · Mar 23, 2017
Delivers a beautiful graphical interface. Offers basic apps to play your music, videos and view pictures, designed around 'Less is more'. However, it is still based on Ubuntu, and so it can do the same things. Need advanced functionality? whip out the terminal and install any package supported by Ubuntu.
Top Negative Comment by John Fastman · Jan 5, 2017
Elementary and Ubuntu are Debian-based Linux distros. Elementary OS is based on Ubuntu. Different UIs (Elementary uses Pantheon, Ubuntu uses Unity). If it work on Ubuntu, it will work on Elementary. But Elementary are a team of designers and lag behind in terms of security. It's also oversimplistic for anyone but complete beginners in Linux.
Positive comment by veddev · Aug 31, 2024
I just like it, because it has a macOS style theme.
3 of 6 comments
elementary OS is Free and Open SourceUbuntu is also Free and Open Source
Windows 10
418 likes
Versatile OS with universal app architecture, free first-year offer for Windows 7 and 8.1 users, redesigned mouse-touch UI, virtual desktop, Microsoft Edge, upgraded security, and enhanced graphics for gaming, supporting fingerprint and face recognition login.
189 Windows 10 alternatives
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+1
Good alternative?Is Windows 10 a good alternative to Ubuntu?

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4comments
Discontinued
After October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive free software updates, technical support, or security fixes. Microsoft suggests to upgrade to Windows 11 : https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2024/10/31/how-to-prepare-for-windows-10-end-of-support-by-moving-to-windows-11-today/
Windows 10 vs Ubuntu Comments
Negative comment by LinuxDoge · May 4, 2022
not free, not private, not Linux
Comment by Rasheed AZ · Jun 2, 2024
After 14 October 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates for Windows 10. We recommend moving to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS which will be supported until 2029.
Positive comment by veddev · Aug 31, 2024
This isnt an Alternative to Ubuntu, but win10 is awesome.
3 of 4 comments
Windows 10 is Paid and ProprietaryUbuntu is Free and Open Source
Windows 10 is an Operating System Ubuntu is a Linux Distro
macOS
574 likes
A Unix-based OS for Mac with seamlessly integration with Apple’s ecosystem, offering an intuitive UI, productivity tools like Finder, Spotlight, and Automator, built-in apps like Safari and Photos, Continuity for cross-device functionality, and security features including FileVault and Gatekeeper.
190 macOS alternatives
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+4
Good alternative?Is macOS a good alternative to Ubuntu?

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7comments
macOS vs Ubuntu Comments
Top Negative Comment by Guest · Jul 1, 2019
Proprietary, with limited hardware support. Poor support for developers.
Negative comment by operfeito11 · Jul 4, 2022
only works well on mac, and even then its bad. and its proprietary. a family member uses it, and i tried it to see if i liked it. i did not.
Positive comment by Guest · May 28, 2020
This is what rich people use in their daily driver.
3 of 7 comments
macOS is Free and ProprietaryUbuntu is Free and Open Source
macOS is an Operating System Ubuntu is a Linux Distro

12 of 184 Ubuntu alternatives

Ubuntu AlternativesTop Linux Distros & Operating Systems like Ubuntu

Alternatives list

Linux Mint

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Linux Mint vs Ubuntu Comments

Debian

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Debian vs Ubuntu Comments

Fedora

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Arch Linux

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CachyOS

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Zorin OS

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Manjaro Linux

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openSUSE

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openSUSE vs Ubuntu Comments

Kubuntu

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elementary OS

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Windows 10

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macOS

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